SOME GOVERNMENT BILLS.

Northern Advocate, 27 August 1913, Page 5

SOME GOVERNMENT BILLS.

RIVER BOARDS RATING POWERS

The River Boards Amendment Bill provides for the alteration of boundaries and divisions of river districts, on a petition of one-fourth of the ratepayers of the area proposed to be included; or if to be excluded. On a similar petition the Governor may abolish the district. In the event of the Minister of Internal Affairs being ~ that all lands liable to rating will derive equal benefit from the works, he may authorise the levy of a drainage rate on a uniform scale; otherwise every rate shall be levied on a graduated scale according to - classification of the rateable property in the district. It is proposed to introduce four classifications: (1) Lands to receive immediate direct benefit from river works; (2) lands likely to receive less direct benefit; (3) lands receiving indirect benefit; and (4) all other lands. LAND DRAINAGE. The Land Drainage Amendment Act, of which the Hon. W. F. Massey lias charge, empowers the boards to increase the rating beyond six farthings in the £1 if a petition has been presented to the board signed by at least three-fourths of the ratepayers representing not less than threefourths of the rateable value of all the

properties liable to be rated, and re- ■" _guesting that a rate specified in the petition may be levied. Rates are to he levied on a graduated scale according to a classification made by an officer appointed by the board; but if .the Minister of Internal Affairs is satisfied that all the rateable lands will derjfre equal benefit, he may authorise the board to levy the rate on a uniform scale. Provision is made for the alteration of a district so as to include other lands which will "benefit from the operations of the board.